Mr. Jack Nolan:

I thank Senator Paul Daly. Slurry, at the minute, is worth €50 per 1,000 gallons. It is very valuable. Fertiliser prices have nearly trebled. They are up 250%. The Department fully supports the idea of getting slurry out at the right time of year - whether that is in May or February - depending on soil type, etc. There will be a huge change in that. We are fully supportive of it through the advice that is given by farm advisory system, FAS, advisers, whether they are private advisers or through Teagasc.

To reiterate, as we said on the previous occasion, the 30 km rule was a proposal but, based on the feedback we have received, that will not be introduced. The 30 km rule will not be introduced. There will be a limit on the stocking rate on commonage because it is artificially being used by intensive farmers to dilute their stocking rate but the 30 km rule is not being introduced.